Imagine the vibrant flavors of the sea entwined with garden-fresh greens, all wrapped up in a comforting, tender pasta embrace. Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Rolls in Roasted Red Pepper Cream offer a delightful twist on classic Italian fare, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant dish worthy of any dinner table. This recipe marries the succulent sweetness of shrimp with the earthy freshness of spinach,rolled together in delicate pasta sheets and bathed in a luscious,smoky roasted red pepper cream sauce. Whether you’re seeking a show-stopping meal for guests or a cozy night in with a gourmet touch, these pasta rolls promise a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate and a presentation that impresses at first glance. let’s dive into the art of crafting this exquisite culinary experiance.
Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Rolls in Roasted Red Pepper Cream capture the essence of elegant comfort food, blending succulent shrimp with vibrant spinach wrapped in tender pasta and cloaked in a luxuriously smooth roasted red pepper cream sauce. This dish is a celebration of texture and flavor-the briny sweetness of shrimp meets the earthy freshness of spinach, nestled inside delicate pasta sheets, then baked to golden perfection. Inspired by Mediterranean coastal kitchens and perfected in my own culinary explorations, these rolls offer a refined yet approachable meal for dinner parties or indulgent weeknights alike.
Prep and Cook Time
- Planning: 25 minutes
- Cooking/Baking: 35 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
Yield
- Serves 4 generous portions
Difficulty Level
- Medium – Perfect for cooks comfortable with rolling pasta and balancing rich sauces
Ingredients That Elevate Flavor and Texture
- Fresh lasagna sheets (8 sheets, approx.9 x 12 inches) - supple texture ensures graceful rolling and even cooking
- Large shrimp (12 oz, peeled and deveined) – firm and slightly sweet, they build the protein-rich core
- Baby spinach (4 cups, packed) – lightly wilted to keep a fresh, vibrant bite inside each roll
- ricotta cheese (1 cup) – creamy binder that adds moisture and mild depth
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, finely grated) – sharp, nutty undertone enhances both filling and sauce
- Garlic cloves (3 cloves, minced) – essential aromatic foundation
- Roasted red peppers (1 cup, jarred or freshly roasted and peeled) – sweet and smoky star ingredient for the sauce
- Heavy cream (1 cup) - velvety richness for the sauce’s luscious texture
- olive oil (3 tablespoons) – for sautéing and drizzling
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped) – bright herbal lift for filling and garnish
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste, enhancing natural flavors
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon) - subtle zing that brightens shrimp and spinach
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Rolling and Baking Your Pasta Creation
- Prepare the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in the shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, approximately 3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp,chop coarsely,and set aside.
- Wilt the spinach: In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and the fresh spinach. sauté until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Let cool slightly,then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Combine filling ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped shrimp, wilted spinach, fresh basil, and lemon zest.Season with salt and pepper to taste. The filling should be moist but firm enough to hold shape.
- Blanch pasta sheets: Briefly cook lasagna sheets in salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes until pliable but not fully soft. Lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to dry and cool.
- Roll the pasta: Place one pasta sheet on a flat surface. Spread a quarter of the shrimp-spinach filling evenly over the sheet, leaving a 1-inch border on the far edge for sealing. Roll gently but firmly, like a jelly roll, sealing the edge with a little water.
- Assemble in baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.arrange rolls seam side down, close but not touching, ensuring stability during baking.
- Prepare the roasted red pepper cream sauce: Blend roasted red peppers with heavy cream until perfectly smooth, then gently heat in a saucepan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour sauce evenly over the pasta rolls, covering generously to keep the rolls moist and infuse flavor.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until sauce is bubbling and edges of pasta turn lightly golden.
- Rest and garnish: Allow to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and sauce thicken slightly. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and a dusting of Parmesan before serving.
Mastering the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce for a Rich, Velvety Finish
Creating the perfect roasted red pepper cream sauce is the secret to elevating this dish from simple to breathtaking. Using either jarred high-quality roasted red peppers or roasting your own provides an unmistakably sweet and smoky base. Blending these peppers with heavy cream results in a rich, velvety texture that cloaks the pasta rolls with luscious flavor. Crucially, warm the sauce gently to avoid breaking the cream or dulling the vibrant red color. A pinch of sea salt and fresh black pepper enhances the natural sweetness without overpowering the palate.
Tips for Serving and Pairing Shrimp and Spinach Pasta Rolls with Wine and Sides
Present these rolls on warm plates, garnished with bright green basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for stunning contrast. Serve alongside a light mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For an elegant pairing, choose a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a dry Grüner Veltliner; both balance the creaminess and complement the delicate shrimp flavors. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water infused with cucumber and mint offer refreshing palate cleansing without clashing.
Chef’s Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute pasta sheets with fresh rice paper sheets, adjust blanching to softening in warm water.
- To make ahead, prepare rolls and sauce separately, assemble fully on baking day for freshest texture.
- Swap shrimp for scallops or crab meat to explore unique seafood profiles.
- If sauce thickens too much, gently stir in a splash of extra cream or vegetable stock to loosen consistency.
- Use fresh herbs liberally-thyme or oregano can add an intriguing twist to the filling.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
explore more inspiring recipes like this one in our seafood pasta recipes. For expert tips on seafood safety and handling, visit the FDA Seafood Safety Guide.
Q&A
Q&A: Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Rolls in Roasted Red Pepper Cream
Q1: What makes Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Rolls in Roasted Red Pepper Cream a unique dish?
A: This dish combines tender pasta rolls filled with succulent shrimp and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a luscious roasted red pepper cream sauce. The contrast between the fresh, slightly sweet seafood and earthy greens inside soft pasta creates a harmonious bite, elevated by the smoky, velvety sauce that ties every element together beautifully.
Q2: Can I use fresh pasta for the rolls, or is dried pasta better?
A: Fresh pasta sheets are ideal for these rolls because they’re more pliable, making it easier to roll without cracking. Though, if fresh pasta isn’t available, you can use dried lasagna sheets-just be sure to cook them al dente and handle them gently to keep them intact during rolling.
Q3: How do I ensure the shrimp inside the pasta rolls stay juicy and flavorful?
A: Marinate the shrimp briefly in a mixture of garlic, lemon zest, a touch of chili flakes, and olive oil before cooking.This infuses them with aroma and flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Also, sauté the shrimp just until pink-overcooking will make them rubbery and dry.
Q4: What’s the secret behind the roasted red pepper cream sauce’s rich flavor?
A: Roasting the red peppers before blending them adds depth and a natural sweetness, while gently simmering them with cream and aromatics like garlic and smoked paprika creates a silky, smoky sauce that’s both comforting and vibrant. A splash of vegetable broth or a hint of lemon juice can brighten the sauce without dulling its richness.
Q5: Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the pasta rolls a few hours ahead and refrigerate them. When ready, bake them in the roasted red pepper cream sauce just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it a great dish for entertaining or meal prepping.Q6: What sides complement Shrimp & Spinach Pasta rolls best?
A: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy richness of the dish. Simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini add a pleasant texture contrast,while a light garlic bread or focaccia rounds out the meal wonderfully.
Q7: Can this recipe be adapted for a vegetarian version?
A: Yes! Swap the shrimp for tender roasted mushrooms or sautéed artichoke hearts to maintain that satisfying texture and umami flavor. The creamy roasted red pepper sauce perfectly complements these vegetables, making the dish just as impressive and appetizing.Q8: How do I prevent the pasta rolls from falling apart during baking?
A: Ensuring the pasta sheets aren’t overcooked before rolling is key-they should be pliable but firm enough to hold their shape. Roll them tightly, secure the seam with a dab of sauce or a sprinkle of cheese, and nestle them snugly in the baking dish to support each other while baking.Q9: What spice or herb additions enhance the overall taste?
A: Fresh basil or tarragon added to the filling brightens flavors, while a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper in the sauce adds subtle warmth.A sprinkle of nutmeg can also augment the creaminess without overpowering the dish.Q10: how should leftover Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Rolls be stored and reheated?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature, covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender.
Wrapping Up
As the final forkful of these Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Rolls in Roasted red Pepper Cream melts away, it’s clear that this dish offers more than just a meal-it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and comforting textures wrapped in delicate pasta sheets. Whether you’re seeking a show-stopping centerpiece for your next dinner party or a cozy, elegant weeknight dinner, these rolls strike the perfect balance between sophistication and ease. So next time you crave a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing, remember this recipe and let the roasted red pepper cream carry you to a place where every bite tells a story of culinary delight.
